What is "planulae"

Planula \Plan"u*la\, n.; pl. Planul[ae]. [L., a little plane.]

1. (Biol.) In embryonic development, a vesicle filled with fluid, formed from the morula by the divergence of its cells in such a manner as to give rise to a central space, around which the cells arrange themselves as an envelope; an embryonic form intermediate between the morula and gastrula. Sometimes used as synonymous with gastrula.

2. (Zo["o]l.) The very young, free-swimming larva of the c[oe]lenterates. It usually has a flattened oval or oblong form, and is entirely covered with cilia.

n. (plural of planula English)

1. n. the flat ciliated free-swimming larva of hydrozoan coelenterates

2. [also: planulae (pl)]

See planula